EGYPT, AND SYRIA. 403 
refervoirs for water deftroyed or damaged, fo that many camels 
perifhed for want of that indifpenfable article, but even the 
pilgrims were infulted by the Arabs, probably incited by the 
arts and malicious revenge of Jezzar. By dint of bribes, 
however, at the Porte, Abdallah prevented his expeded 
deprivation. 
In the province of Damafcus there are no taxes upon com- 
modities of any kind, fo far as I could difcover. The land- 
tax, and the capitation-tax on Chriftians, conftitute the only 
refource, except contingencies ; as fines, and avanias, or arbi- 
trary exa£lions. The miri^ or public revenue, may amount to 
ten thoufand purfes, or half a million fterling. 
Meat is at prefent fold for thirty-fix paras the rotal, or four- 
pence fterling the pound Avoirdupois. A quantity of bread, 
fufficient for a meal for four perfons, might be purchafed for a 
para. It is very white and good, and remarked to be beft when 
the Janizary Aga, who has a cenforial power over the bakers, 
is not in the city. Grapes, of the fineft flavour, the rotal 
three or four paras. Fifh, from the river, is to be had at a 
moderate price, but not remarkably good. Milk, cheefe, and 
butter, very cheap. Wild-fowl abounds on Mount Libanus, 
and partridges, in the feafon, are fold for five paras the brace. 
Tame fowls for four or five paras each, pigeons, a pair for the 
fame fum. 
The air or water of Damafcus, or both, are fuppofed to 
operate powerfully againft that loathfome difeafe the leprofy 
3 F 2 [borras]. 
